How we worked it out
Updated as you change the numbers.
- Area = length × width = 10 ft × 10 ft = 100 sq ft.
- In a square grid each plant takes spacing² = 1 ft × 1 ft = 1 sq ft.
- Plants = 100 ÷ 1 = 100, rounded up to 100.
Method and assumptions
In a square grid each plant occupies a square of spacing × spacing. In a staggered grid, alternate rows shift by half a space and the rows sit closer together (0.866 × spacing), so each plant occupies spacing² × 0.866: about 15% more plants fit in the same bed at the same spacing.
Counts are for the open bed. Plants along the edges will reach a little past them, so for exact layouts you may set the outer row half a space in from the edge.
Tips
- Staggered planting fills in faster and looks more natural for ground covers and mass plantings.
- Closer spacing fills in sooner but costs more and may need thinning later.
Questions
How many plants at 12 in spacing for 100 sq ft?
100 plants in a square grid (one per square foot), or 116 in a staggered pattern.
Sources
Method and figures checked on . Every worked answer on this page is covered by an automated test. Found a mistake? Tell us.